WHEN Nagambie Primary School student, 11-year-old Brodie Miller, placed second in the State School Champions in August, he was invited to join the Para team representing Victoria in the School Sport Australia Cross Country Championships in Adelaide, South Australia.
For two years Brodie and his school Principal Rob French exercised after school three days a week during the pandemic. Brodie improved greatly in his running time over the two years guided and encouraged by his mentor Mr French.
“It has been a great performance by Brodie Miller over the past few months at the various selection trials,” Mr French said.
“I am so proud of Brodie’s achievements. He has trained hard for his success – I can’t keep up with him anymore. I am thrilled with his results in the events in SA. He is a great example of persistence.”
Brodie’s family went to SA to see him contest the Para 12-Year-Olds Boys 2km Cross Country on August 27, at the Oakbank Racecourse over the three-day major athletic event.
Brodie recorded a personal best, running the track event in 10 minutes and 56 seconds. Because he did so well, Brodie was chosen to be in the relay race. He finished third, winning a Bronze medal in his individual race and Gold as a member of the Para team placing first.
“I was so overwhelmed when Brodie won a place in the State School championships, and now, I am so proud of him and what he achieved in SA. It was his personal best. We are incredibly proud of Brodie and can’t wait to see where his next chapter leads him,” said his mother Emma Miller.
“Without Mr French’s encouragement and mentoring, Brodie would not have been able to achieve his goals. I am so thankful to Mr French for his wonderful support to Brodie, and I know that without him Brodie would not have followed this path. “
Brodie said that he has his sights set on one day competing at the Commonwealth or Olympic Games.
